Unpacking the Hate Campaign Against Blake Lively
During the promotional phase of her film, This Ends With Us, Blake Lively found herself at the center of a devastating hate campaign this summer. Headlines emerged targeting her character, declaring her rude, arrogant, and a mean girl who supposedly deserved the backlash from online communities. Yet, this narrative was significantly misguided.
The Origins of the Campaign
The wave of negativity aimed at Lively did not arise organically; instead, it was orchestrated by individuals determined to undermine her reputation. Reports indicate that her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, played a pivotal role in this smear campaign. Allegedly, Baldoni mistreated Lively on set, hoping to tarnish her image within the industry.
Behind the Scenes: A Coordinated Effort
In a troubling revelation, Baldoni collaborated with public relations consultant Melissa Nathan, producer Jamey Heath (who has also faced misconduct allegations), and PR expert Jennifer Abel to systematically discredit Lively. Text messages obtained by the New York Times reveal their strategy of amplifying accusations against Lively, portraying her as difficult and insincere.
Ironically, while the intention was to criticize her for supposedly “glamorizing domestic violence” during her film’s promotion, the actual PR strategy was intended to highlight uplifting elements of the storyline, as noted in recent reports. The effectiveness of the negative campaign is concerning, as it underscores a disturbing tendency for audiences to revel in hating women in the public eye. One of Nathan’s comments captured this sentiment aptly: “It’s actually sad because it just shows you have people [who] really want to hate on women.”
Double Standards in Media Narratives
It’s essential to recognize that while Lively has made mistakes, including her controversial marriage to Ryan Reynolds on a former plantation—a decision for which they have publicly apologized—the disproportionate criticism she received starkly contrasts with the muted responses faced by some men in Hollywood.
For instance, Brad Pitt faced serious allegations of domestic violence from ex-wife Angelina Jolie and was accused of abusing their children, yet his career has hardly been impeded, and he continues to receive significant film roles, including a starring role in an upcoming $300 million project. In comparison, Lively’s reputation suffered immensely due to false narratives surrounding her behavior, impacting her haircare line’s sales drastically—reportedly by 78% according to the New York Times.
Comparing Public Reactions
Jared Leto’s situation further illustrates this troubling double standard. Despite long-standing allegations of misconduct, including accusations of sexting minors and other abusive behavior, Leto’s career has flourished, with recent casting announcements in high-profile projects such as a Masters of the Universe film.
In contrast, Lively, who has not faced any allegations of misconduct, was subjected to harsh public scrutiny, exemplifying the misogynistic tendencies that persist in Hollywood.
A Call for Change
This situation highlights a critical conversation regarding gender bias within the entertainment industry. It demonstrates the need for society to reconsider its harsh judgments of women, particularly in comparison to the often overlooked misdeeds of men. As discussions about equality and fairness continue to evolve, the treatment of figures like Blake Lively must be addressed to foster a more just media landscape.
Source: The Mary Sue
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